Santa Fe closing in on year-long loan for Union's Carlos Valdes

Philadelphia Union captain Carlos Valdes is on the verge of heading back to Colombia, and if he does, the all-star defender may never wear a Union uniform again.

The Union are closing in on a deal to send the Colombian national team defender to Colombian side Santa Fe on a year-long loan, sources confirmed to SBI on Wednesday.

The deal has yet to be finalized as of Wednesday morning, but sources with knowledge of the deal tell SBI the proposed move is a one-year loan with an option for Santa Fe to buy Valdes. The move is expected to be finalized this week.

Valdes has been pushing for a loan for several months in order to be fit heading into Colombia’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers in February. Valdes has emerged as a regular starter on a Colombia side enjoying a strong qualifying campaign in South America. Colombian national team manager Jose Pekerman was another driving force behind the move, telling Valdes that such a move could help his standing with the national team.

The success of Colombian national team in World Cup qualifying has raised the profile of players on the team, including Valdes, and a continued strong run for Colombia could earn Valdes some long looks from European suitors. If that happens, Santa Fe would most likely trigger the purchase option on Valdes (though the Union would likely be protected by sell-on fees included in this type of deal).

Santa Fe is currently competing in Copa Libertadores and is favored to advance past the group stage. That competition would also provide Valdes ample opportunity to play high-level matches as well as potentially catch the eye of scouts. Santa Fe’s first Copa Libertadores match is scheduled for Feb. 13th against Peruvian side Real Garcilaso.

An MLS All-star in 2012, Valdes was the leader of the Union defense, but his desire to make a move led the Union to acquire former Seattle Sounders defender Jeff Parke. If Valdes does leave, the Union will have Parke, Amobi Okugo and Bakary Soumare as centerback options heading into the 2013 season.

So why would the Union send Valdes to Santa Fe on loan rather than sell him outright? It’s pretty simple. Valdes’ value has the potential to skyrocket in 2013 by competing in Copa Libertadores and South American World Cup qualifying. A loan with a purchase option that includes sell-ons for the Union makes the most sense for the Union.

What do you think of this development? See the Union doing well defensively with a centerback trio of Parke, Okugo and Soumare? Hoping Valdes comes back to the Union in a year?

As a Union fan I am happy for him and the team. Obviously I would like to keep him, but such is the life of a mid tier league. For us, I’m glad we discovered him and at the growth he showed under us. He is also one of the first players to go from an international bubble (I think he had like 2 caps al ong time ago) to starting for his NT in the MLS. Not a Beckham or Keane situation – instead Valdes was a younger player who first cemented his place on a legit NT while playing in the MLS.

They don’t make much. The Mexican league pays more. As a national team defender, I’m sure Valdes will make just as much as he does in MLS. But it’s about perspective: $100,000 here is not the same as $100,000 in Colombia.

As the article said, this is about making sure he’s fit for qualifiers. MLS’ schedule is not favorable to international players come the Jan-March qualifiers when it’s their off season. My wife is Colombian so I watch the league off and on. I wouldn’t say the quality is significantly better. It would just give him more visibility to the Colombian coaches.

I’m not sure I would put too much into the option to buy. MLS forces clubs to add that for players they loan out if I’m not mistaken. Or is it only the other way around, i.e. players loaned to MLS have to have buy clauses. Unless he’s homesick, a move back to Colombia isn’t particularly logical.

Just because you are getting playing time doesn’t mean your spot on a NT is safe. Your club situation counts I can’t blame him for making this decision MLS has traditionally been a difficult league for non USA NT players due to the schedule

typical insular thinking Libertadores is a Much higher level than MLS.

its not just scouting its the big deal for those south american players its the tournament that showcases the best talent

humberto Suazo tore it up in Libertadores when he was on his chilean team
got picked up by a Monterrey that also happens to have the ability to play in the high level competition. makes great money and plays at the same high level.

MLS needs to be able to attract that same kind of player and provide a high level of competition

the CCL doesnt provide that other than playing the Mexican Teams

We expect to be a big league by 2020 then we need to start looking at playing higher level competition to obtain that goal garber wants

I am neutral about the move, but I am disappointed by the continuing putting down of MLS by coaches of Colombia. I can see if the coach was recommending a move to let’s say Holland or Portugal or Russia. However, do they really believe that average level of Colombia is that much higher than MLS? I understand that there is something about being closer to home, but still… Makes me sad

I am with you….to me its very dissapointing for MLS that he feels (Or perckerman told him) he needs to play elsewhere to strengthen his national team chances. Would be easier to swallow if he was heading to a top Euro league, Mexico, maybe Brasil etc. I admit though, I dont know much about the Colombian league, but seems like more of a lateral move.

As a Union fan I’m positive they have no plan for the future of this team. Not only is Valdes arguably the best player on our team, he made our defense look like the bright spot going into next season. Hopefully Le Toux and Casey have some magic left or it’s going to be a long season for us Union fans.

This is an unsettling trend in my opinion. I understand the reasons behind the Montero and Valdes deals, but I would much rather see South American players who have had success in MLS leave for better clubs in better leagues as opposed to returning to SA.

I like it. It shows other propective South Americans that they can come to MLS, do well, and get recognition from their National Team. I believe there is someone from MLS playing for their African National Team. An interesting article idea would be to list out MLS players that are playing for … or at least involved and on the bubble for their respective National Teams.

Money. A lot of Colombian teams have been struggling financially lately so the MLS has offered a bigger pay check then Colombia for the average player. Colombia’s level of play isn’t bad for the top clubs and their league schedule is more in line with the international calendar so as far as his NT career this is the right move